The batting averages have always been a parameter to judge excellence. A player like Michael Bevan was predominately known for his insane ODI batting average [53.58]. MS Dhoni took the seriousness of batting averages to an altogether different level with the emphasis on staying not-out. The batting average extended its importance to the T20I format. It continues to remain an important parameter to gauge success.
We look at batsmen with the highest T20I batting averages [minimum runs scored – 1500]
#5 JP Duminy (38.68)
He was one of the most underrated T20I cricketers. JP Duminy was a valuable asset for any T20 team he played for. He played the role of an accumulator and an aggressor with elan. Duminy was a fine player of spin. His strike rate of 126.24 might be on the lower side. But he more than made up for it with his average of 38.68. Duminy scored 1934 T20I runs in 81 games.
#4 KL Rahul (40.68)
One of the most elegant players in the world, KL Rahul’s strongest format is the T20Is. It wasn’t the case when he made his international debut in 2015. The technically perfect Rahul found the T20I format tough. But a game-changing IPL season in 2016 turned it around for him. Rahul since then has consistently been India’s best T20I batsman. He averages 40.68 to go with a strike rate of 142.49!
#3 Babar Azam (45.52)
Arguably the most consistent batter in the world currently, Babar Azam is on top of the pile on most run charts. He has quashed away the notion of being a minnow-bully with credible performances against strong teams. Babar in full flow is an absolute delight. He averages 45.52 in T20Is having scored 2686 runs at a strike rate of 129.44.
#2 Virat Kohli (50.12)
He was the runway number 1 T20I batsman for a large part of his career. If not for a poor run of form lately, Virat Kohli would have certainly topped this list too. Kohli is the only player to win the player of the tournament award in the T20 World Cups twice. He has been one of the most consistent run-getters in the format. Kohli has amassed 3308 runs at a stellar average of 50. His strike rate of 137.66 is eye-catchy too!
#1 Mohammad Rizwan (50.36)
He was one batsman who garnered the most praise in the T20 World Cup last year. Mohammad Rizwan is a run-grafter in the modern T20 game. He is busy at the crease without being reckless. Rizwan loves to bat deep in the innings. His innings against Australia in the 2021 T20 World Cup semifinals being a case in point. He has scored 1662 runs so far in 56 games at an average of 50.36. Rizwan will be keen to work on his strike rate of 128.83.
